Insights with Sean O'Rourke

A pioneer in Irish media and the arts, Lelia Doolan reflects on her resignation from Teilifís Éireann to becoming the first female Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre.  She also discusses her ongoing activism, including the fight to reopen Galway’s Pálás cinema.

In the final days before the papal conclave to elect the next Pope, Seán speaks to Vatican-based journalist and Clare native, Colm Flynn. They discuss possible contenders and why Colm will always be grateful to the late Pope Francis for helping him meet his wife.

Well-known designer Paul Costelloe discusses his relationship with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, his ongoing ambition as he approaches his 80th birthday this summer and turns the tables when he asks Sean a burning question.

Laura Coleman is psychologist and psychotherapist for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. She reveals why she believes we do not need to fear death. Trigger warning: This podcast includes a discussion around suicide, please find a link to a webpage with relevant contact information Helplines - https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Éamon Ó Cuív is not only a former Government Minister and TD but as he explains to Sean O’Rourke, he is also a dedicated campaigner and prison negotiator. Éamon also opens up about his grandfather, Fianna Fáil founder, Taoiseach and former President of Ireland Éamon de Valera plus he shares his own aspirations for the party his Grandfather began.

Sinéad Burke is a writer, disability campaigner and entrepreneur. Sinéad explains to Sean why she is on a mission to create a more equitable and accessible world and discusses the impact the European Accessibility Act, which will come into effect in June 2025 will make.

Colm O’Rourke is a Gaelic football manager, retired secondary school principal, sports broadcaster, and columnist. He also has two All-Irelands medals and was Player of the Year in 1991. He discusses his passion for education, his biggest achievements away from the medals and glory, plus he reflects on the changes and challenges facing the GAA.

Psychotherapist and Counsellor Dr Thomas McCann speaks to Sean about his love for the travelling community he is part of, as well as the issues and challenges they face, including that of mental health. Note: This discussion includes a reference to suicide. Help and Advice are available at https://about.rte.ie/ie/helplines/

Social media star, podcaster and breast cancer survivor Georgie Crawford opens up about the night her life changed utterly in 2017 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Georgie speaks about the lengthy journey she and her husband had to take in order to expand their family, the costs involved, and she recruits a new follower in Sean O’Rourke.

Ollie Jennings is the Manager of ‘The Saw Doctors’, a founding member of The Galway Arts Festival, and the award-winning spectacle theatre company Macnas.